Enter the bounding box of your 3D model
Infill, walls, and support options
Filament Needed
319.4 g
PLA · 20% infill · 1.2mm walls
| Property | PLA | ABS | PETG | TPU |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Density (g/cm³) | 1.24 | 1.04 | 1.27 | 1.21 |
| Print Temp (°C) | 190-220 | 230-250 | 220-250 | 220-250 |
| Bed Temp (°C) | 50-60 | 90-110 | 70-80 | 40-60 |
| Flexibility | Rigid | Rigid | Semi-rigid | Flexible |
| Typical Price/kg | $20-25 | $20-25 | $25-30 | $30-45 |
| Best For | Prototypes | Enclosures | Functional parts | Flexible parts |
Inputs
Result
A 5×5×8 cm figurine with supports needs about 56g of PLA. The shell volume (130 cm2 surface × 0.12 cm wall = 15.6 cm3) plus 20% infill of the remaining interior plus 15% support material totals 45.0 cm3. At PLA density of 1.24 g/cm3, that is 55.8g costing $1.39.
Inputs
Result
A 20×15×10 cm box with 30% infill and no supports uses 341g of PETG. The large surface area (1,300 cm2 × 0.12 cm = 156 cm3 shell) plus 30% infill of 2,844 cm3 interior volume gives 268.6 cm3 total. At PETG density 1.27 g/cm3, that is 341g and just 2 prints per spool.
Filament usage depends on object volume, infill percentage, and wall thickness. A 10cm cube at 20% infill with 1.2mm walls uses about 50 to 70 grams of PLA. Higher infill dramatically increases usage. Going from 20% to 100% infill can triple or quadruple the filament weight.
A standard 1 kg spool of PLA can produce 15 to 30 small prints (under 50g each) or 3 to 5 large prints (200g+ each). The exact number depends on your infill setting, wall thickness, and whether you use support material. Our calculator shows prints per spool for your exact dimensions.
PLA is generally the cheapest at $20 to $25 per kg spool. ABS is similar in price but has lower density (1.04 g/cm3 vs 1.24 for PLA), so you get more volume per spool. PETG costs slightly more at $25 to $30 per kg. TPU (flexible) is the most expensive at $30 to $45 per kg.
| Filament | Price/kg | Density (g/cm³) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | $20–$25 | 1.24 | Prototypes, decorative items |
| ABS | $20–$25 | 1.04 | Heat-resistant, post-processing |
| PETG | $25–$30 | 1.27 | Functional parts, food-safe |
| TPU | $30–$45 | 1.21 | Flexible parts, phone cases |
Infill is the biggest factor in filament consumption. At 20% infill, only the shell and a sparse internal grid are printed. At 100% infill the object is completely solid. A 10cm cube uses about 55g at 20% infill but over 160g at 100% infill. Most functional parts only need 20 to 40% infill.
| Infill % | Weight (10cm cube) | Print Time | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10% | ~40g | ~2.5 hrs | Display models, prototypes |
| 20% | ~55g | ~3 hrs | General purpose (most common) |
| 50% | ~100g | ~4.5 hrs | Brackets, mounts, gears |
| 100% | ~160g | ~7 hrs | Maximum strength (rare) |
Support structures typically add 10 to 20% extra filament depending on the overhang geometry. Our calculator estimates 15% of the object volume for supports. You can minimize support usage by orienting your model to reduce overhangs beyond 45 degrees.
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Last Updated: Mar 9, 2026
This calculator is provided for informational and educational purposes only. Results are estimates and should not be considered professional financial, medical, legal, or other advice. Always consult a qualified professional before making important decisions. UseCalcPro is not responsible for any actions taken based on calculator results.